While visiting Athens, Greece, I came across a street fair with a live band and a variety of booths. At one booth, a woman offered me a free shirt, hat, and pin. As a budget backpacker, I gladly accepted. The next day, I wore the free T-shirt; but as I set out to explore the city, I quickly became self-conscious. I had no idea the meaning of the Greek writing scrawled across the front of my shirt. But all the locals would know. What if I was wearing a message I didn’t support? Toward the end of the day, I ended up chatting with a shopkeeper and cashier. One of them told me, “I like your shirt.” I replied that I didn’t know what the words on the shirt meant. The cashier translated the message as, “There are a lot of adventures to be had in life. Drugs shouldn’t be one of them.” Reassured that my shirt’s message was one I supported, I spent the rest of the day feeling bold instead of self-conscious. This experience made me think about how often I wear a message without realizing it. Though not as obvious as writing on a shirt, the way I treat others, the words I say — and even my facial expressions — send messages to others. I want that message to reflect that Christ lives in me.
TODAY'S PRAYER
Dear Lord, help us to choose our words and actions carefully so that they will bring glory to you and lovingly spread your message to the world. In Jesus’ name. Amen.
No comments:
Post a Comment